Melissa Gilbert, Bruce Boxleitner split after 16 years

A rep for actress
Melissa Gilbert, 46, has confirmed that she has separated from her husband of 16 years,
Bruce Boxleitner, 60.

"We have loved each other for a very long time and we share four incredible sons together," Gilbert said in a statement. "On behalf of our family we ask to be allowed our privacy during this very difficult time."

Gilbert, best known for her role as Laura Ingalls on
"Little House on the Prairie," and Boxleitner married in 1995 and have one son, Michael, 15. Michael is named after Gilbert's "Prairie" co-star and mentor
Michael Landon.

Dakota, 21, is Gilbert's son from her previous marriage to Bo Brinkman and Boxleitner has two sons from his previous marriage to actress
Kathryn Ogilvy.